Showing all posts by Kent Hemer

Whenever I met with clients and they ask for my recommendations on how to upgrade their bathrooms in the most efficient and functional way, I always give suggestions that are based on their specific needs. No two clients are ever the same and that is why I am rarely the type to give the same advice to any of my clients. Recently, I have had a client ask for a new shower head for their bathroom.

After taking a look at their bathroom and their particular preferences, I told them that a low-flow shower head unit would be the best option for their remodeling project. I opined that the water pressure wouldn’t equate to the task at hand and that the new unit should be functional and easy for them to use above all other features. There are so many low-flow options available when it comes to shower heads, however, so I ran down a few options from http://bestshowerhead.reviews/ and told them to choose from the shortlist.

What are the benefits to having a low-flow showerhead you may ask? What you can save by investing in one are significant. Well, for starters, they will save lots of water which in turn lowers our electricity and water bills substantially. As most people are aware of, the planet needs to conserve as much as possible across the board and I believe this is an excellent way to get started with helping the environment. Every little bit that we can do to help Mother Nature is always a benefit to the world at large.

Plus, they work just like a standard shower head, but with less overhead costs. At the end of the day, there are very few disadvantages to owning a low-flow shower head as you are almost guaranteed to save money. The following are a couple that made the cut and which you could consider as well if you are searching for a low-flow shower head for your home.

High Sierra 1.5 GPM

With the High Sierra 1.5 GPM, users can expect to save a bundle on yearly water bills, thanks to its powerful low-flow showerhead action that comes with a splash guard that ensures water pressure is aimed directly at you at all times. This patented technology is instantly noticeable, and the construction of this unit includes a chrome finish that is polished and remains shiny for the life of the unit. To clean the product, simply use a bit of rubbing alcohol to keep it streak free and sparkling. There is also an FCS nozzle that remains clog-free for the duration of its life as well – it has been exclusively patented for their products only.

How much money can be saved with this unit? Well, it is possible to save about 1700 gallons per year on water, per person, in your home. That is a monumental amount of savings, with estimates of up to 40% savings on energy and water for the average household. This topic is discuss in depth on bestshowerhead.reviews.

Delta 75152

Considered one of the highest quality models available on the market and that set the standard for others to follow, the Delta 75152 provides full pressure without giving up any quality, operating at 2.5GPM at 80psi. There are two settings that feature bigger spray holes to reduce clogging and easy cleaning. It also mixes water and air pressure which means no water is wasted. Learn more below:

Another great aspect is that the Delta 75152 is user-friendly and simple to install, with no tools necessary to swap it out with your old shower head. An internal ball permits a smooth rotation and keeps its position stable, although there is no handheld mode with this model. But other than that, its versatility and durability will substantially lower your water bills over time.

This model is a beaut – with a clean, chromed finish that remains sparkling for years and can be cleaned with rubbing alcohol as needed. One of the main advantages of this model is that you can actually receive a great massage with this model and still save on water output. It comes with standard dimensions, with a spray face diameter of 3-7/8 inches. This design means less water is dispersed into the air for a powerful pressure that will soothe your entire body.

Well, it seems like the time has finally come for me to replace the hand-held paint sprayer I have had in my garage for quite some time. Since I have had one for so long, I simply cannot imagine not being able to count on one for the many painting tasks I have to do around the house every year. I highly recommend them for painting fences and many of my friends have taken my advice and taken the plunge as well. Since I have had the pleasure of using a few models over the years, I can give you a few tips on a couple of the best models to consider when you are searching for a hand-held spray painter.

Wagner Painter Plus 0525027

For those that want to get their painting done effectively and as quickly as possible, the Wagner Painter Plus 0525027 is a brilliant hand-held option to consider. With this paint sprayer, you can finish tasks up to three times faster than typical models can accomplish. Sing piston pump technology that is exceedingly fast, you can spray across all types of surfaces with ease, with a rotating nozzle that comes with it that allows you to adjust for width and the pattern you prefer. Also, it is not necessary to be a master to use this machine and many users have noted that no experience is necessary at all. Simply fill the reservoirs with the paint you want and pull the trigger.

Other notable features include the Optimus Dual Tip Technology that ensures you don’t overspray and that coverage is even. Plus, you don’t have to worry about debris flying everywhere while painting. Another feature that I particularly love is the EZ tilt flexible suction that gets rid of the jamming issue that can affect other models when paint becomes thick and starts to clump. You can spray over 6 gallons of paint with this model per hour, making it ideal for mid-sized tasks from painting a fence or kitchen cabinets.

Wagner is a company well-known for producing quality equipment, so never worry about the materials they use or the durability of quality of their products – whether you are a novice or a professional, these products are easy to use and affordable, so your budget won’t be compromised. They’ve been in this industry for many years, so they truly know what features that consumers are looking for and they give them, all at price points that I can get behind. Add this one to your toolbox and you will be immediately glad you did.

Cover any surface with ease using the Graco 16Y385, which is easy to use and in fact, can be used directly after unpacking with no setup or instructions necessary. This is one of the first paint sprayers I ever used because it is so user-friendly and offers amazing versatility and premium performance at a great price. This is a great model to consider as it can cover any type of painting job that you need to be completed. Why spend hundreds of dollars on a machine when you can purchase this version and achieve the same results?

Weighing only 4 pounds, you won’t have to worry about this machine stressing your joints while using it, and it also has the ability to paint in any direction, even when upside down. Another truly great feature is that no paint thinners are necessary with this model, saving you both time and energy. Trust me when I say that I have saved a lot of time using the Graco 16Y385 because applying paint thinner can really take up a lot of time, more than most people even realize until they have to do it a few times.

I highly recommend this model for those that want projects finished fast and want to cover a lot of areas. This page is a must visit if you’re into furniture painting. If you are a DIY, this is a mandatory asset that should be included on your list. Now that I have had enough experience using a few machines, I have suggested this one to many people that are new to repair work around their homes and they too have become fervent supporters in this model as it makes every task that much easier.

You would be surprised at how often lately that my clients have requested fire pits in their backyards. It seems that people are wanting to spend more time at home entertaining guests and adding a fire pit is an easy way to have a get-together to enjoy the company of friends and family alike. If you are a DIYer and would like to know the process of making a fire pit in your backyard, I have some guidelines to take into consideration should you decide to take the plunge and build your own.

I’ve given instructions on spray-painting your fence, but I would say that this is only a bit more complicated than that and definitely won’t cost an arm and a leg either. You will have to go to your local hardware store and get a few essentials, however.

Purchasing Stones

After you decide how large you want your fire pit to be, then you will have to measure everything and select enough materials that match those dimensions. If you want to save a bit of time, I would suggest investing in palletized stone as it is pre-sorted and cut, with the stones more uniform in shape, size, and quality. You can also have the materials delivered directly to the site to save you even more time.

Preparing the Base

In the center of the fire pit, hammer a rebar piece, then cut a string piece that is half the length of the diameter of the fire pit. Then, make a loop on the string’s end, and next slip it all the way around the rebar. Next, loop the opposite end around a can of spray paint. Then, mark the circle’s circumference. Excavate 6 inches deep the area that is inside the paint.

Marking Footing

Next, cut another piece of string that is the same length as the initial piece minus the fire pit wall’s thickness. Attach string to the spray paint and rebar, marking the second circle inside the first one.

Pouring Footing

Next, you should prepare premixed cement according to the directions written by the manufacturer. The cement should then be spread between the inside and outside circles. The center area should be clear for drainage purposes. Keep adding cement and then level it until it is 1-1/2 inches below grade. Then tap 2-foot rebar pieces into wet cement until it is completely submerged around the footer. Then, wait until it is dry.

Laying First Course of Fire Brick

Once the first course is set into place, move on to the first row of firebrick. A layer of mortar should be trowelled inside the face stone’s edges, press the initial fire brick squarely into place. Next, apply mortar to the end of the next brick and then butt it against the first and press it into the mortar. Then, check for level and remove excess mortar as you are working. Continue this process until the first ring has been laid of firebrick.

Completing the Fire Pit Wall

You will next continue building by alternating layers of firebrick and face stone until you have reached the desired height. Then apply a mortar bed on top of the layer before of fire brick or stone and then set the bricks and stones.

Avoid weakness of the wall by staggering joints between subsequent and previous layers of brick and stone. Any gaps between the stone and fire brick should then be filled with stone scraps and mortar.

Knowing the pros and cons associated with the two most popular types roof types, metal and shingle, is crucial before you begin on a project. Since my clients typically are not as aware of all the intricacies involved with either, I let them know what the advantages and disadvantages are for both, and once they have acquired the information, we all can meet and decide how to proceed. Now, depending on whom you ask, some builders may prefer certain types of roofing material over another.

At the end of the day, the roof is probably the surface of most importance in your home, even more so than exterior walls. That being said, installing a new roof is a huge task and if done incorrectly, you could find yourself out of thousands of dollars for repairs. Plus, you really need to consider that any roof you invest in has to protect against Mother Nature in the form of possibly hailstorms, blizzards, and torrential rains.

So, why are there so many variables when it comes to materials to use for a roof? There are many reasons for this, but generally speaking, architects, builders, and homeowners all have opposing views on the types of materials they prefer on a roof as they all have different agendas. For example, homeowners are more concerned about the price and only want materials that will last as long a time as possible and functions efficiently. Builders are about those issues as well, but the primary objective for them is the price. With architects, however, the primary concern is aesthetics then functionality.

Of course, if you ask by industry, you are also going to get a different answer. Ask the asphalt industry and they will claim it is easiest to install, find, and maintain, as well as being easy on the eyes. Plus, it is far more affordable than other options. Building contractors and architects, however, claim that asphalt is popular because of its price tag, not the aesthetics, as they would more than likely suggest other options if given the opportunity.

It really depends on the product line, but generally, shingles have warranties attached to them that can last between 20 to as long as 30 years, although builders will tell you this varies greatly depending on the country and the upkeep fees associated with them. Builders prefer asphalt because it is a trusted, tried and true product that has been used for over a century in building homes worldwide. Another reason it is so popular is because homeowners also prefer it and so are comfortable with it being installed in their homes.

In terms of the money matters, asphalt is a more affordable option compared to other materials, which makes it ideal for entry-level housing or production housing. Plus, it is relatively easy to handle and there is no other roofing product that is easier to install. In some instances, asphalt can be installed in a single day by professionals. Even DIYers can use asphalt with ease, but it is advisable to have a professional do it in order to address any warranty issues. Should any problems arise, however, it is also easier to repair if it gets damaged.

Of course, basic asphalt is available for those that are trying to save as much money as possible, but there are also fancier styles that mimic slate or wood shakes. And there are a variety of colors to consider as well to make asphalt look even more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Additionally, asphalt requires little maintenance and has a fire rating of Class A. Many manufacturers offer that their products meet requirements from Energy Star and qualify by federal standards as a cool roof, which means they are then eligible for tax credits.

For those that are fans of metal roofing, however, you are assured of the lightest material available for a roof, with extended longevity and warranties that can last more than 50 years. With metal roofing, you are afforded more protection against Mother Nature as a metal roof can last for approximately 60 years or longer. This is when spending a bit more money has its benefits.